Aliexpress vs. Amazon: A Complete Comparison 2025

Content and data updated from 2023.

Recent data indicates that the global dropshipping market has experienced significant growth and is projected to continue expanding. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately $331.1 billion and is expected to reach $2,060.3 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.52% during the forecast period.

This growth is driven by technological advancements and the increasing prevalence of eCommerce marketplaces, which have streamlined the distribution process. As a result, goods can now be delivered directly from manufacturers to consumers, bypassing traditional intermediaries such as wholesalers and retailers. This direct-to-consumer model is central to the concept of dropshipping and has contributed to its rising popularity.

Bridging the gap between manufacturer and consumer is the whole concept of dropshipping. And if you follow the trends, you would know that AliExpress vs. Amazon is a popular debate topic for new dropshippers and those considering expansion.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare these two eCommerce heavyweights, looking at everything from prices to delivery times, so you can make an informed decision for your business.

Dropshipping in 2025

By 2026, the dropshipping market is projected to reach $476 billion, driven by technological advancements and innovative shipping solutions. For sellers comparing AliExpress vs Amazon marketplace options, shipping costs and delivery speed are important considerations.

Since delivery speed is of paramount importance, it’s essential that inventory management and warehousing are taken care of to the T. In these cases, making use of Easyship’s 3PL fulfillment centers can help reduce shipping time.

What is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a part of the popular eCommerce platform Alibaba. Alibaba is a large wholesale enterprise based in China but operates globally. Coming in as a retail subsidiary of the larger group is AliExpress which serves as an intermediary between dropshippers and consumers worldwide.

AliExpress has experienced significant growth in recent years. In December 2024, the platform attracted approximately 1.02 billion visits, marking a notable increase from previous periods. As a dropshipping platform, AliExpress is fast becoming a competitive site that allows third parties to make sales by shipping products directly from the producers and delivering them to the end users (the consumers).

Like the larger arm Alibaba, AliExpress products are manufactured in China and other Asian countries, making their products relatively cheaper than other platforms. So we can say that AliExpress is a strong contender against Amazon.

A significant aspect of AliExpress is that prices are not wholesale-friendly as Alibaba has another arm that caters to the wholesale business. And since goods come directly, customers can expect that delivery will not be as prompt as expected.

What is Amazon?

Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon has expanded from being a major online bookstore to one of the significant B2C eCommerce marketplaces for buying and selling different products. Just like Alibaba, Amazon features millions of sellers of a variety of products who transact daily and round the clock, with millions of buyers looking for specific products to buy and have shipped to their locations.

While products on Amazon come from a wide range of producers globally, Amazon also has its brands that produce and sell multiple products.As of 2024, Amazon has over 310 million active users worldwide. In the United States, Amazon accounts for approximately 37.6% of e-commerce sales, maintaining its position as the leading online retailer.

Related Post: Alibaba Vs AliExpress: Which Should You Use?

Amazon Seller Fees and Cost Optimization in 2025

Amazon is introducing seller-friendly fee changes to support eCommerce businesses:

Key Fee Updates

• No increases in U.S. referral or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees
• Inbound placement service fees for large items decreased by ~$0.58 per unit
• Fee waivers for new product launches

New Seller Incentives

• Waived inbound placement fees for first 100 units of new products
• Discounts through New Seller Incentives and FBA New Selection programs
• Applies to items shipped between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025

Cost Reduction Strategies

• Leverage Amazon's fee waivers for new product introductions
• Utilize FBA New Selection program for additional discounts
• Explore inbound placement fee reductions for bulky items

These updates demonstrate Amazon's commitment to helping sellers manage costs and grow their businesses effectively.

AliExpress Vs. Amazon: The 8 Major Differences

If you are new to dropshipping, Amazon and AliExpress are two of the options you should look out for. They both have tools that make dropshipping hassle-free because their B2C-friendly website makes it easy for you to focus on aspects of your business other than managing inventory.

When a customer orders on your storefront, these websites make it easy for you to get products directly with your partnered producers and get them shipped to your customers in your branding.

However, not all businesses are built the same. And not all businesses can run on both platforms, so you need to look out for the ones that are excellent for your business. The following AliExpress vs. Amazon comparison will help you navigate your choices and pick the best one suited to your business needs.

1. Prices

One primary yardstick for comparing Amazon vs. AliExpress is the prices of goods on both websites. Because AliExpress has most of its production in China and other Asian countries with vast human resources, prices of goods are on the cheaper side. Regardless, AliExpress' prices are retail prices, and Amazon guarantees prices that are cheaper than retail prices.

2. Range of Products

You can sell a vast array of products on both platforms. From electronics, cosmetics, kitchen utensils, home appliances, food products, clothing, and accessories, there is almost no limit to what you can sell on Amazon and AliExpress.

3. Buyer Protection

Amazon has an extensive A-Z Guarantee for buyers, covering product satisfaction and shipping issues. AliExpress, on the other hand, offers a robust buyer protection system that covers delayed or non-delivery of goods.

4. Payment Method and Solution

Payment solutions on AliExpress and Amazon are versatile and up-to-date with the popular payment platforms. So it's pretty easy to integrate with your preferred payment option.

5. Delivery Time

Amazon takes the lead when it comes to delivery time. Customers can opt for expedited shipping, like the overnight shipping options, for faster delivery when they order on Amazon. Amazon's large number of global distribution centers makes fast shipping options and delivery time possible.

AliExpress has its production centers in Asia which directly affects the delivery time for buyers abroad. So unless you live in China or Asia, you can expect a delivery time of 15-25 days.

6. Shipping Cost

Shipping cost is often determined by speed and distance traveled. Shipping from China will cost you more compared to the competitive options you get on Amazon. UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and many more offer you various shipping options and prices when you buy on Amazon.

7. Refund Processing Time

On AliExpress, it takes you about 5 - 10 days to process a refund, while Amazon takes less than 3 - 7 to process and issue a refund.

8. Customer Support

Customer support is an important aspect to look out for on any platform. AliExpress and Amazon do well in having rigid customer service to attend to the questions and inquiries of customers to make them long-term buyers on the platform. While AliExpress has a ticket system that handles all queries, returns, and refunds, Amazon's 24/7 customer support takes it a notch higher and takes the lead.

AliExpress and Amazon are optimized for mobile experience. They operate perfectly on IOS and Android.

This table summarizes the major differences between AliExpress and Amazon, focusing on key aspects relevant to dropshipping and e-commerce.

How to Choose a Trusted Seller on AliExpress and Amazon

With so many sellers on AliExpress and Amazon, it’s crucial to identify trustworthy ones. Use these practical tips to make informed choices:

For AliExpress Buyers

1. Check Ratings and Reviews: Stick with sellers who have at least 98% positive ratings and review customer feedback for quality insights.
2. Verify Shipping and Tracking: Confirm shipment times and ensure the seller offers tracking details.
3. Ensure Authenticity: Read product descriptions carefully and check for customer-uploaded images in reviews.
4. Communicate with the Seller: Reach out with questions and assess their responsiveness and clarity.

For Amazon Buyers and Sellers

1. Review Seller History: Choose sellers with high ratings and return policies.
2. Leverage FBA for Reliability: Buyers: Prefer "Prime" products. Sellers: Optimize costs with the FBA New Selection program.
3. Check Product Listings: Look for detailed descriptions, clear images, and avoid suspiciously low prices.
4. Compare Prices: Research similar listings to ensure you're paying fair market value.

AliExpress Vs. Amazon with Easyship

AliExpress and Amazon are two great dropshipping options for eCommerce retailers. These popular platforms allow you to partner with a product supplier and sell directly to your customers. While AliExpress makes it easy to source products at lower prices, the delivery date might pose a challenge to your business, especially as free and overnight shipping is popular.

Amazon is no stranger to expedited shipping. Its integration with couriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx affords users to determine their delivery dates based on the speed they want.

Both platforms are mobile-friendly, have excellent customer support, guarantee buyer protection, and allow for the sale of various products. So the one you choose is determined by your business type.

Whether you choose AliExpress for its low prices or Amazon for its fast delivery, one thing is certain: Easyship can help streamline your shipping process and save you time and money. Start using Easyship today to optimize your business.

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FAQs

Is AliExpress cheaper than Amazon?

AliExpress goods can be said to be cheaper than that of Amazon because of the Direct to Customer (DTC) model that allows sellers to sell directly to the buyer, eliminating the middleman and possibly accrued costs. Amazon products are also cheap but the advantage lies in its delivery times which can sometimes be less than a day.

Can you sell AliExpress items on Amazon FBA?

Yes. Sellers can partner with AliExpress suppliers for a product they want to sell and list the product for sale on their Amazon store. Once purchase is made, your AliExpress supplier will deliver the product to your Amazon customer.